by Jenni Eickelberg
Across the country, Americans are rethinking how — and where — they eat. Recent reporting from USA TODAY highlights a clear trend: as food prices continue to climb, more people are choosing to stay home rather than dine out. In the article, a story was shared about a busy mom who realized she was spending most of her food budget on delivery — a reminder of why many families are turning to carryout instead. Same great food, without the extra fees.
Families everywhere are feeling the strain of higher grocery and restaurant costs, and many are looking for ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the pleasure of a good meal. It’s no surprise that people are searching for easier, more affordable ways to enjoy great meals without the full cost of dining out.
That’s exactly where takeout shines. Takeout offers the perfect middle ground: the comfort and cost control of eating at home paired with the flavors, creativity, and convenience of restaurant cooking. Whether it’s a cozy pasta dish, a fragrant curry, a wood‑fired pizza, or a fresh grain bowl, takeout lets people enjoy a wide range of cuisines without the added expense of drinks, tips, or lingering at a table. From global comfort foods to local specialties, takeout brings a world of flavor right to your kitchen table. It’s food on your terms — enjoyed on your couch, at your kitchen table, or even outside on the patio when Wisconsin weather cooperates.
With today’s busy lifestyles, takeout also saves time — another major reason it has become such a go‑to option for many households. Instead of waiting for a table, navigating a long dine‑in experience, or trying to coordinate schedules, people can place an order, pick it up, and be eating within minutes. It’s a simple way to reclaim part of the day while still enjoying a high‑quality meal.
Today’s takeout experience is also far more streamlined than it used to be. Nearly every restaurant now offers some form of carryout, and many have made the process incredibly simple with online ordering, quick‑pay options, and designated pickup spots. Even restaurants that rely on call‑in orders have refined their systems to keep things efficient, allowing customers to place an order, swing by, and be on their way in minutes. For busy families, shift workers, and anyone juggling a packed schedule, the ability to grab a great meal without the time commitment of dining in has become a real lifesaver.
Choosing takeout is also a meaningful way to support small businesses. Local restaurants rely on steady carryout orders, and every meal picked up helps keep kitchens busy, staff employed, and neighborhood favorites thriving.
As you explore this issue’s Best Takeout picks from around the Fox Cities, you’ll find a vibrant mix of flavors, traditions, and creativity — proof that great food doesn’t require a reservation.
Angel’s Restaurant
1401 E. John St., Appleton
920-993-8847
Angel’s Restaurant serves homestyle comfort food made with care, from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelets and fresh lunches. Their generous portions and consistently well‑made dishes make takeout an easy, satisfying choice — bringing the flavors of this longtime Appleton favorite right to your table.
Chicken Grill
1550 Appleton Road, Menasha
920-486-6198
Chicken Grill in Menasha offers fast, flavorful Mexican takeout, from grilled chicken plates to big burritos and street‑style tacos. With generous portions, fresh ingredients, and a convenient weekday drive‑thru, it’s an easy way to bring bold, satisfying flavors home without getting out of your car.
Christiano’s Pizza
2400 S. Kensington Drive #500, Appleton
920-221-7529
Family‑owned Christiano’s Pizza crafts wood‑fired pies with fresh‑made dough and Wisconsin mozzarella. Their handcrafted flavors and quality ingredients show why pizza is the ultimate takeout food — hot, shareable, and always satisfying. Perfect for bringing a slice of this local favorite home.
El Azteca
201 W. Northland Ave., Appleton
920-996-0983
N474 Eisenhower Drive, Appleton
920-830‑6605
El Azteca makes takeout easy with generous portions, fresh ingredients, and family recipes that have kept this local favorite thriving for over 25 years. From homemade guacamole to hearty entrées, their carryout brings bold, authentic Mexican flavor home — fast, affordable, and always satisfying.
George’s Steakhouse
2208 S. Memorial Drive, Appleton
920-733-4939
George’s Steakhouse brings its classic supper‑club comfort to your dining room table with easy, satisfying takeout. Their popular Friday Fish Fry—served with generous portions and traditional sides — makes carryout a perfect way to enjoy this longtime Appleton favorite without the wait.
Good Company
110 N Richmond St., Appleton
920-735-9500
Good Company keeps takeout simple and satisfying. Their menu stretches from classic American favorites—burgers, steaks, and more—to a bit of Mexican and Italian fare, plus a Friday Fish Fry that travels well. Pickup is quick, portions are generous, and dinner lands on the table without any effort.
Hank & Karen’s Tavern
1937 E. John St., Appleton
920-731-1265
Hank & Karen’s Tavern is the spot when you’re craving a real, non-fast food burger. Their hearty, no‑nonsense tavern classics make takeout easy — great burgers, solid comfort food, and the familiar flavor of a neighborhood bar meal brought home, ready for a satisfying, low‑fuss dinner.
Heritage 71
580 Robinhood Dr, Sherwood
920-475-9924
Heritage 71 is all about wood‑fired flavor you can bring home. With handcrafted sauces and rubs and the passion they put into every brisket, rib, steak, and smash burger, their slow‑smoked meats deliver bold, satisfying takeout. Located just minutes outside of Appleton, it’s an easy stop for hearty food to go.
Lake Park Pub & Grill
N8904 Lake Park Road, Harrison
920-739-1901
Lake Park Pub & Grill makes takeout easy with classic pub favorites — burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and especially their popular Friday fish options — ready for pickup. It’s a convenient way to bring their local, game‑day‑friendly neighborhood tavern staples home without missing a beat, perfect for an effortless, satisfying evening meal.
The Mad Apple Burger & Billiard Co.
3025 W. College Ave., Appleton
920-955-3990
Mad Apple Burger & Billiard Co. brings scratch‑made, locally sourced flavor to go. Their takeout lineup — burgers, wraps, apps, and more — lets you enjoy fresh, handcrafted pub food at home without sacrificing quality or comfort, making it an easy choice when you want a satisfying meal made from real ingredients.
Mark’s East Side
1405 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton
920-733-3600
Mark’s East Side makes takeout simple with classic Wisconsin supper club food ready to go. Their popular Friday Fish Fry pairs perfectly with the convenience of drive‑up service — place your order, pull up, and they’ll bring your meal right to your car for an easy start to the weekend.
Mary’s Family Restaurant
2312 N. Richmond St., Appleton
920-733-0948
Mary’s Family Restaurant makes takeout feel like a comforting home‑cooked meal. From hearty breakfasts to classic comfort‑food dinners, their carryout menu offers familiar favorites made with care. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of a longtime Appleton staple wherever your day takes you.
Michiels Bar and Grill
1100 Appleton Road, Menasha
920-722-7885
Michiels Bar & Grill brings classic supper‑club comfort to go. Their takeout menu — stacked with burgers, sandwiches, and hearty dinners — lets you enjoy the flavors of this longtime local favorite wherever you are. Perfect for nights when you want a satisfying supper‑club meal without the sit‑down wait.
Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza
2331 E. Evergreen Drive, Appleton
920-815-3264
124 Main St., Menasha
920-215-6568
Parker John’s BBQ & Pizza makes takeout a flavor‑packed win, with slow‑smoked meats, signature sauces, and wood‑fired pizzas ready to go. Their carryout menu brings bold, comforting barbecue and crowd‑pleasing pies straight to your table, making it easy to enjoy their big, smoky flavors at home.
Prime Steer
704 Hyland Ave., Kaukauna
920-766-9888
Prime Steer is a dependable choice when you’re craving a true supper‑club dinner to go. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly prepared steak or a generous cut of prime rib, they deliver every time. You’ll also find nightly seafood and fish options, all at prices that stay refreshingly reasonable for the quality.
Sai Ram Indian Cuisine
253 W. Northland Ave., Appleton
920-733-3003
Sai Ram Indian Cuisine offers vibrant, flavor‑forward takeout, from aromatic curries to tandoori specialties. Their carryout menu makes it easy to enjoy fresh, authentic Indian dishes at home — perfect for anyone craving comforting spice, bold, beautifully balanced flavors, and the ease of bringing truly traditional Indian cooking straight to their table.
This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
